Hello everyone.

My name is Chris and I'm a newbie here, so apologies if this has been posted in the wrong pleas or something, feel free to move it or give me some posting advice. But hopefully somebody will be able to give me some advice about the problems I've been experiencing.

I'm having some pretty major problems with my Toshiba Satellite Pro L300 296. Heres as much nformation as I know about the system, the rest I am unable to check as you will learn later:

Model: Toshiba Satellite Pro L300 - 296
Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP3
RAM: Can't remember exactly, but it was more than 1.5 and less than 2.
Processor: Intel Celeron

Sorry I am unable to give you any more specifications, but I don't know a lot about it and although I know how to find the information, I can't do that because of the nature of the problems I am experiencing.

So here's my problem:

Yesterday, the laptop was running well as normal, and I shut it down correctly, put it away, and then went out the house. Approximately an hour later, I returned, got it out again, and switched it on. This is what happens:

• The fans start and the laptop makes the usual kind of mechanical startup noises.
• The usual screen at the beginning comes up with Toshiba written on it and the prompt for "Press F2 to enter Setup", which then shortly disappears as normal.
• I am then left with a blank black screen and the laptop starts beeping very loud. Nothing else happens, and the only way to stop the beeping is to force the laptop to turn off by holding down the power button for a few seconds.

This means I am unable to use the computer at all. Hopefully, someone at this forum will be able to help me.

Please note that, although I can do web design etc. I know nothing about the actual workings of a computer, so please use language that a computer noob can understand or I won't have a clue what you're talking about!

I am quite desperate so I am trying to get the problem fixed without sending the computer away. I have an iPhone due to arrive later this week, and the only other laptop I've got (The one I am on now) has Linux and I really don't understand Linux at all, and I heard that iTunes doesn't work on it! But sadly Windows was removed in a previous technology incident and shall never return to this system (I don't have the disk for it!).

I hope someone can help me, and I also hope I can save all my data and programmes but I know this isn't always possible. Thanks in advance.

I would first try swapping your ram around, or use just one stick.

cheers ...

How do I do that?

There should be a memory cover in the middle of the bottom of the notebook. Take it off and you will have access to the memory modules.

Make sure that you remove the battery and ac adapter. Hold the power button down for about 30-40secs to discharge all remaining static. Ground yourself pretty good.

Here is a guide that you can read BEFORE trying it.

http://static.tigerdirect.com/pdf/To...-UserGuide.pdf

cheers ...

Thanks for your responses so far.

It sounds to me as if this is going to be a problem which needs fixing by taking things apart etc, and I'm not happy doing this myself for 2 reasons:

• The laptop was given to me by a charity, and for that reason it will, one day, need to be returned to them. This means I cannot carry out anything major on it, and I need to check with them before I send it off anywhere to be repaired.
• Secondly, I'm not too confident with computer maintenance and I don't want to break anything or make the problem worse!

Thanks for your advice so far, but if there's nothing I can do troubleshooting wise first without breaking it open, I'll have to leave it for now.

Also, do you know how I can describe the problem to the charity? They will want to know what has happened to it.

Thanks.

Just explain it to them as you did in your OP. Show this forum conversation to them. Good lucks.

You can just try the power down as I described (battery, as out ..) for now also.

cheers ...

Hello again.

I'm pleased the problem has been resolved!

Allthough it wasn't physically stuck down, the L button was on... if that makes sence. This meant the system wasn't starting up, but because you couldn't actually see the button you wouldn't have known that it was causing the problem.

I am so pleased it wasn't a more serious problem!

Thanks for your suggestions

If constant fast beep is a key stuck down?

I understand your hesitance to play with opening. But it is in most cases a few screws then the RAM snaps in and out.

Also have you pressed F2 just for kicks see where it takes you worth a shot. I mean f it lets you in at least it gets you somewhere. Also consider safe mode?

I had the sticking key once and it was exactly as you describe. Pluck the keyboard keys. Wipe with the edge of your hands to depress many at the same time.

This beeping is not a code like short short long is it?

The solution is in the above post

Very nice to hear that it was a simple issue. Might want to go out and get a canned-air and dust out the keyboard top and under ;-)

cheers ...

I will - I've actually used one of those many times before, so will defenatly be buying another one! lol

Good deal, just don't go overboard and be careful with your eyes. Enjoy NBF.

cheers ...

OK so I type slow! Makes me look foolish. But trust me I spent time writing it.

Very good to hear fixed. 8 years ago happened to me thought the notebook was going to blow up, my first notebook.

Be careful with that canned air as well and make sure when spraying, that you keep the can upright or moisture will come out the nozzle. Water+electronics= problems.
The other thing, when spraying the vent covers over the fans on the bottom to get rid of dust etc. Stick the end of a paperclip into the holes between the blades of the fan to keep the fan from over spinning.